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richly merits. It is, as you truly say, the great work of the age, and God is moving human hearts to recognize it. What you say in regard to colors for Kindergarten rooms is most judicious. That they should be tasteful, harmonious, and beautiful, is a part of the education for the little ones."

After speaking of her proposed delightful trip with her friend Mrs. Kincaid, Mrs. Hearst concludes her letter as follows:

"I only wish you could be here to enjoy this trip with us, and to meet the many charming people to whom I have letters of introduction, and who are deeply interested in Educational matters.

"I have a letter to Professor Wilhelm Preyer, author of The Soul of the Child,' and to three other delightful families here. Also to Madame Henrietta Schrader, niece of Froebel; to Madame Froebel, his widow; and to the Baroness Von Bulow.

"In London I met Miss Manning, who has devoted herself to the Kindergarten cause. She had recently returned from Bombay, where she had seen the Pundita Ramabai, and had much to tell me of her. I also had letters to, and met Miss Emily Sheriff and her sister, Lady Gray, who, as you know, are distinguished for their Educational writings and their work. In Vienna I hope to present a letter of introduction to Director Erasmus Schwab, who originated School gardens.

"It is most interesting to meet these people who are in the very soul of the movement, and it inspires one with courage and hope for the final triumph of the great and good work.

With best wishes, etc., I am yours,

PHOEBE A. HEARST."

The lovely Kindergarten, Hearst No. 2, was duly opened in August last, with all the children that the room could accommodate, and we are sure that the kind and generous patroness will be delighted with her little wards, on her return to San Francisco. Mrs. Hearst has given instructions for another Thanksgiving dinner, to be enjoyed by all the children in the Union. street Kindergartens--over two hundred-and the Teachers are planning a day's festivities that will eclipse in pure, unmixed joy even the never-to-be-forgotten delights of last year's Thanksgiving.

THE HELPING HAND SOCIETY.

Three years ago, about this time of the year, the Superintendent of this Association made a strong appeal in Bible Class, for clothing. The winter was approaching, and the trunks of the different Kindergartens were sadly in need of replenishing. There were scores of little children who were sadly in want of warm, comfortable garments to protect them from the cold, damp winds of the late fall, and the storms of the early winter. This appeal met a quick and ready response from Mrs. D. W. Folger, who at once grouped about her a number of active, earnest, generous-spirited young women, who set themselves to the work of meeting this demand. And nobly did they accomplish it; and as it frequently turns out, under the blessing of heaven, they builded far better than they knew. For a genuine benevolence has the knack of distributing itself. It spreads from heart to heart and from lip to lip. It can never be shut up in any breast without being stifled and destroyed. As well try to shut up a flame, in an air-tight receiver, and expect to keep it glowing; as well try to lock up the crystal water in a jar, and expect to keep it fresh and life-inspiring.

And so the good work went on, growing and expanding, until scores of young women were linked together for service; and soon they found themselves with funds sufficient to warrant the establishment of a Kindergarten, under the auspices of the Golden Gate Association. All this was done quietly, and without much apparent effort. Duty done always discovers more duty to be done, and more power to do duty. Or to put it as did the old heathen philosopher: "Do the duty that lies nearest thee, so shall it prove a candle to show thee the duty that lies next beyond."

The duty" next beyond," for the Helping Hand Society, was soon discovered to them, and forthwith a second Kindergarten was organized. So that now there are two flourishing, beautiful Kindergartens maintained by this Society. Nor is this all. The Divine enthusiasm spread, and in due time was communicated to a visiting friend from Sacramento, Mrs. W. C. Clark, who returned to that city and established a "Froebel Society," cou

stituted of about forty of the earnest, eager, royal-hearted young ladies of that Capital City, who have already organized a fine Kindergarten, which is doing excellent work. Mrs. Clark, like Mrs. Folger, believes thoroughly in the value of this work to a community; and they both have the art of making others believe in it. Both possess, in an unusual degree, that rare knack of leadership which serves at once to rally and to inspire, which calls forth from each the very best of which each is capable. How true it is, that in proportion as we feel the value of any work we make others feel it. Who can estimate the power of one consecrated, devoted heart? That is what we call the power of personality.

At our urgent request, the President of the Helping Hand Society has prepared the following interesting report of the work:

REPORT OF THE HELPING HAND SOCIETY,

BY MRS. D. W. FOLGER, PRESIDENT.

It seems almost incredible that the time has come when we are again called upon for the Annual Report of the "Helping Hand Society."

We are almost led to believe that the years "take to themselves wings and fly away," so rapidly do they mark the flight of time. While we look back and review the work of the past years, we cannot but feel we have much to be thankful for, and everything to encourage us to "continue steadfastly" in our work.

As we stand upon the threshold of this fourth year, and think what advances have been made, how vividly comes to our memory the afternoon when we grouped together a few young ladies, to begin this work among the little children. As they sit together, week after week and month after month, and as we see them so earnestly engaged in their work, we are impressed with the thought that they never lose sight of the dear Saviour, when he "set a little child in the midst of his disciples," and taught them, saying: "Whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me."

In reviewing the work of the year just closed, I find we have made great advances in our work. Our membership has greatly increased, and although we have lost several of our number on account of removal to other parts of the State, we still have an enrollment of thirty-four. While we very reluctantly part with any who have ever been connected with us, we very gladly welcome all new members, for they not only cheer our hearts by their presence, but open the way for new fields of labor.

One of our members, Mrs. W. C. Clark, who was a faithful and devoted lover of the work, being obliged to sever her connection with us, went forth

Armed

with a full determination to organize a work similar to our own. with the weapons of "Prayer" and "Faith," and with a "God-speed" from her Sister Workers, she left us and went to Sacramento, the home of her birth. Through her untiring energy and perseverence, she aroused the citizens of that city to the need of a school for neglected children, and to-day she is looked upon as the prime mover of the “Sacramento Free Kindergartens,” and also of the Society of young ladies organized to help carry on the work. With what delight do we look upon this, our "first born," and who will not say with us, "God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform." Our annual meeting, which occurred on the tenth of April, will long be remembered by us all. Every member of the Society was present, and after the u-ual routine of business was completed and the work planned for the coming year, I think all felt the importance of it as never before. I am sure the President never so fully realized the responsibility of guiding and directing so many young ladies in the "right path," and in the important work in which they are engaged. We were so delighted to have with us on that day, dear Mrs. Cooper, whose very presence was an inspiration to us. As we sat and listened to her kind and loving words, so full of cheer and encouragement, we felt more than ever impressed with the assurance that there was a greater work for us to do, and that God would bless our every effortif we used the means He has provided for us. With the resolution to do our best, we entered upon the fourth year of our work among the little children. We are sure that "all work and no play" soon becomes monotonous. Believing there should be some recreation for all young people, the President placed her home at the disposal of the young ladies, who decided to give an "Anniversary Tea," for the benefit of their work. Several hundred invitations were sent to the friends of the young ladies, and entertainment provided for their guests. The response was general; all expressing their hearty approval, and the sum of one hundred dollars was added to the Treasury. During the year we have made and distributed two hundred and seven garments. We have not accomplished as much in this part of our work as in previous years, as four months were used in preparation for our "Prismette" Entertainment, and two months was given to the Summer Vacation, leaving only six months for actual sewing. We owe very much to the many kind friends and the ladies of the "Golden Gate Board," who have so generously responded when we have asked for assistance. Especially would we thank Mesdames Pope, Frank, Pierce, Walker and Dutton, who have been untiring in their devotions to us, not forgetting dear Mrs. Holbrook, who, when in a foreign country, sent us ten dollars to purchase "gingham," which has been her annual gift since our organization. Rev. Dr. and Mrs. J. B. Stewart, having visited our schools, became greatly interested, and very kindly sent us a cheering letter, full of good wishes, accompanying which was a donation to help in the support of the schools.

Mr. Joseph Nash and Mr. C. A. Morgan have shown very great interest by helping us many times in a pecuniary way. We always appreciate their

gifts, for many dollars have to be raised each month for the support of our two schools. I am sure there are many others who would gladly help us if they only understood the good work done by these young ladies in trying to restore and uplift fallen humanity.

Our little "Helping Hands" deserve special mention in this report, especially the Misses Cora Smedberg and Josie Shaw, who have been instrumental in bringing many a dollar into our Treasury. This class of young girls is under the management of one of our members, and is being trained in the work in which she is engaged. While they are too young to join the weekly meetings of the society, they are never slow to answer every call to assist us in whatever other work we do. Our young ladies often feel that the energy and success of the little girls are incentives to them to greater activity, and when I hear them thus speaking, I ask: Might not we of a larger growth, do more? The. weekly visits of the young ladies to our schools, and an occasional visit from the teachers to the Society, have been the means of increased interest to us all. We can not see these poor, little neglected children, and listen to the heart-rendering stories of their wretched homes (many of them too unworthy to be called by that name) without a longing desire to do much more than our limited means allow. If we could take those whom God has so abundantly blessed with this world's goods, with us, to see the number of poor little waifs who frequent the by-ways and high-ways, and learn all manner of evil speaking, because we have not the means necessary to gather them in and care for them, I am sure their hearts would be touched and they would hear the Divine Injunction, "Cast thy bread upon the waters and it shall return to thee after many days."